Spain's second goal against Belgium by Merino

Spain's national football team defeated Belgium 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup and advanced to the semifinals. Spain will face France in that match. Spain's second and decisive goal was scored by Mikel Merino in the 88th minute. The match was also broadcast in 21 cinemas and attracted widespread attention.

• Mikel Merino scored Spain's second goal in the 88th minute, a result that propelled Spain to the semifinals.
• Belgium had previously scored against Spain and achieved a draw, but Spain managed to move ahead in the closing minutes and secure the victory.
• The substitution of Luis de la Fuente, Spain's coach, was highlighted as a key tactical change in the match.
• Courtois's substitute, Belgium's goalkeeper, showed a weak reaction in dealing with these circumstances.
• After the match concluded, Yamal and Courtois met in a cordial encounter with each other.
• Spain's forwards in the closing minutes were able to change the result in their favor and overcome their opponent.
• Simón, one of Spain's players, made an outstanding tackle in the 90+1st minute that compensated for his earlier mistake.
• Lamens, a Belgian player, made a critical error that led to Spain's second goal.
• Laporte defended his control of the match with an exceptional tackle.. Coverage difference: News media focused more on Spain's goals, particularly Merino's decisive goal and Spain's advancement to the semifinals; sports media highlighted tactical details and Belgium's defensive mistakes; all coverage agreed on the final result and Spain's advancement, but some emphasized the "winning goal" while others focused on "exceptional defensive tackles," presenting different narratives of the path to this victory.